and ecclesiastical dignitaries. His reputation reached as far as the Dukes of Bavaria and Parma, the Peopli nobles of Bologna, and Cardinal Ottavio Bandini. The bishop of Ascoli, the eminent theologian Cardinal Girolamo Bernerio, also sought out his advice. Seraphin was austere in his person. Only once in his life did he accept a new religious habit, and then, only out of obedience. For forty continuous years, he ate only soup or salad. In keeping with the spirituality prevalent at the time, Seraphin had a personal devotion of serving as many Masses as possible. To avoid having people kiss his hand or tunic to show their respect, Seraphin would carry a crucifix with him, offering it for them to kiss instead. However, Seraphin also possessed a great sense of humor. Once, a woman asked him if she would give birth to a boy or a girl. He attempted to avoid answering. But the woman insisted, saying, "How shall I know what name to choose?" Chuckling, Seraphin responded, "As far as that goes, choose Ursula and Companions," indicating that throughout her life the woman would give birth to a succession of girls. Veneration Even before Seraphin's burial in 1604, his first biographer put pen to paper. He was canonized by Pope Clement XIII on July 16, 1767. Pope Clement canonized Seraphin, together with John Cantius, Joseph Calasanz, Joseph of Cupertino, Jerome Emiliani and Jane Frances de Chantal. In the papal bull of canonization, the illiterate and physically clumsy Capuchin was acclaimed as a person who "knew how to read and understand the great book of life which is our Savior, Jesus Christ. For that reason, he deserves to be listed among Christ's principal disciples." Serafin's feast day is celebrated on October 12. His tomb is in the Capuchin friary at Ascoli Piceno. A church at San Lorenzo Nuovo is dedicated to him. References 1540 births 1604 deaths People from the Province of Fermo Capuchins Roman Catholic religious brothers Miracle workers Burials in le Marche Franciscan saints Capuchin saints Canonized Roman Catholic religious brothers 16th-century Christian saints 17th-century Christian saints Italian Roman Catholic saints Venerated Catholics Canonizations by Pope Clement XIII